Welcome to the 21–22 School Year!
Dear ECS Families,
Welcome back to a new and invigorating year at ECS! Over the summer, the administration diligently worked to prepare our spaces and classrooms to accommodate COVID-19 safety procedures, update facilities, and move our high school to its temporary home. With so much happening over the summer, it is hard to believe school starts in five short days. See what we were up to for the last 60 days of summer in 60 seconds.
As we enter our buildings, some of us for the first time in more than 16 months, I am aware of the anxieties around starting a new school year, especially while the pandemic continues. While we are still in uncharted waters, ECS is adhering to CDC guidelines and recommendations. Despite the challenges created by COVID-19, we are ready to launch a school year filled with safe relationship building, community interactions, and above all, togetherness.
With the UN Sustainable Development Goals and our mission to educate empathic, active, and engaged citizens in mind, ECS is teaming up with a variety of community partners to deliver innovative extracurricular activities, curriculum, and school experiences to help students bloom and flourish throughout the year. From new student activities to the development of our high school space, we have a lot planned for the 21–22 School Year, and I cannot wait to share the many marvelous moments that lie ahead with all of you.
For now, know that ECS cannot wait to have students back in the classroom, and we are ready for a safe return to school. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns. I look forward to seeing everyone’s smiling eyes at Meet and Greets on Aug. 16, and I am waiting with great anticipation for the start of the school year on Aug. 18.
Be Well,
Jon McCann
What’s New at ECS?
Transportation Update
ECS is aware of PPS’s recent decision to delay the start of school due to bus driver shortages. This decision WILL NOT affect ECS. Students will begin school as scheduled on Aug. 18. Please expect to receive your bus route information by the end of today, Friday, Aug. 13 from ECS. If you do not receive an email by Saturday, Aug. 14, please reach out to your building's office manager.
Alma Activation Email
All families should have received their Alma activation email directly from Alma. You must log in to Alma to learn your student’s Homebase teacher. If you did not receive the email, please contact helpdesk@ecspgh.org.
Food Service Update
As a reminder, food service is free for the 21–22 school year for all students, however, ECS strongly encourages you to complete the free and reduced lunch forms which are available at schoolcafe.com.
ECS Adopts Ukeru Program District-Wide
ECS adopted the Ukeru Program which is a trauma-informed de-escalation program. This innovative training is currently circulating through K-12 schools in the state of Pennsylvania and across the country and is a new way to keep staff and students safe. Learn more...
What’s Happening in Your Building?
Hear from your building’s principal and learn what’s happening in your student’s building through their online newsletter.
Primary School
Intermediate School
In Case You Missed It!
Meet and Greet
ECS looks forward to seeing all families at our Meet & Greets on August 16 from 5:30-7:30 p.m., at each building. During this time, you can talk to the staff, meet other families, and catch up on summer adventures. Please review the following procedures to help keep our ECS family safe:
Meet & Greet will be held outside on the backlot (weather permitting).
Take a self-guided tour of the building(s).
Face masks are required by everyone inside school buildings.
Please practice social distancing during the event.
Review ECS’s Back to School Fact Sheet and Health and Safety Plan
Take a moment to review ECS’s back-to-school fact sheet and Health and Safety Plan to ensure your student is ready for the first day of school! Remember, masks are required and ECS recommends each student bring a water bottle to school. This information can also be found on the ECS COVID Dashboard and Information Center page under information and prevention.
